Subject description for 2024/25
Circular Economy, Business Models and Innovation
ORG5016
Subject description for 2024/25

Circular Economy, Business Models and Innovation

ORG5016
The course deals with Circular Economy (CE) as a tool for sustainable development through innovation, circular business models and collaboration across supply chains and between regional actors. We explore the role of innovation in developing new technologies, business models and digital applications. We will examine various emerging issues businesses face such as extended producer responsibility and sustainability reporting. The course uses a case-based format focusing on local cases and the students experiences from working life, business and economic courses.

Knowledge

  • Advanced knowledge about the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in the implementation of Circular Economy
  • The candidates can apply knowledge about Circular Economy principles and business models for business development
  • Advance knowledge of digitalisation and how digital technologies and innovation can support Circular Economy transitions
  • The candidates can apply knowledge about value chains and cooperation between partners and use of digital tools for realising sustainable, circular value chains
  • Knowledge about the EU taxonomy for sustainable finance and measurements and sustainable reporting

Skills

  • The candidates can use their skills and experiences in combination with Circular Economy theory to discuss and analyse relevant business cases
  • The candidates can analyse the complex interplay between economic, social and environmental issues relating to circular business models
  • The candidates can analyse circular economy strategies for sustainability in the context of different instruments and industries
  • The candidates can identify, analyse and suggest solutions to circular business model cases
  • The candidates can analyse a business case focusing on factors such as innovation or value chain and how Circular Economy is reflected (or not) in the case

General competence

  • The candidates can combine theory from business and economic subjects with innovation, own experiences and Circular Economy for analysing and discussing real-life challenges and opportunities in academic and business contexts
  • The candidates can demonstrate their communication skills by providing convincing arguments and expert knowledge in decision-making situations regarding circular economy cases and situations
Paid semester fee and syllabus literature. It is also required that students have a laptop at their disposal.
Compulsory

Session based teaching with a combination of online and place based (Mo I Rana) activates with focus on active student participation, both in utilizing online lectures, other materials and in group work. Students are encouraged to work in groups of 1-3 throughout the course and for the evaluation project.

Student work includes analysis of cases, discussions and presentations

The study programme is evaluated annually by students by way of course evaluation studies. These evaluations are included in the universitys quality assurance system.